effectively instituted before the magnitude of the internal contamination is fully known TABLE 90.16 DOSE OF STABLE IODINE (SSKI a ) BY AGE Age Dose (po) (mg) 18 yrs 130 a SSKI (saturated solution of potassium iodide) If given soon after exposure, stable iodine (saturated solution of potassium iodide [SSKI]) is effective for preventing the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland Prompt administration of stable iodine should be considered if there is a possibility of external contamination, or ingestion or inhalation of radioactive iodine ( Table 90.16 ) Because radioactive iodine is volatile, it is likely to be inhaled If a contaminated child were brought to the ED after an accident with a radiopharmaceutical truck carrying radioactive iodine, administration of stable iodine would be appropriate Of note, for a given internal contamination level, the radiation dose to the thyroid for infants is eight or nine times as large as that for adults If further investigation revealed no radioactive iodine, little harm would have been done by having administered the stable iodine A single dose of oral iodine is highly unlikely to cause any adverse reactions, even in persons who have serious reactions to iodinated contrast agents or seafood After a nuclear reactor accident that results in the release of a large amount of radioactive iodine, three steps can be taken to minimize the adverse effects on the public First, the public should be sheltered or evacuated to prevent further exposure via fallout or gaseous materials Second, potassium iodide (KI) may be administered if available However, it is important to note that many of the nuclear reactors in the United States not house radioactive iodine, making KI a non-useful treatment option Third, the food supply should be monitored carefully to prevent further ingestion of radioactive iodine or other radionuclides If a reactor accident occurs that involves contamination of the public, understandable concern by members of the public will ensue If this happens, emergency medical